Astros Rumors: Would Brian McCann be an Option?

Should the Houston Astros trade for Brian McCann?

As the playoffs continue and the center field section at Minute Maid Parks gets a makeover, the Houston Astros are watching from home. Some fans will miss Tal’s Hill in center field, and others are okay with the Astros not being ready for the playoffs in 2016. How will fans feel if one of their most tenured players is no longer on our team anymore?

Of course, I am speaking of catcher Jason Castro. While he has not been consistent in the big leagues recently, considering that he was drafted in the first round, he has played well enough. As he enters his first offseason as a free-agent, the Astros have to decide whether to bring him back.

At the beginning of the 2016 season, it was pretty much a guarantee that Jeff Luhnow was bringing Castro back. They traded Hank Conger in the offseason, so they were counting on Evan Gattis to be maybe able to catch a game a week. Following an injury to start the season, Gattis returned as designated hitter, before going back to Double-A to focus on catching.

Focus on catching he did, Gattis came back and became more than just a once a week guy. He showed that he was able to be the everyday guy for the Astros. He tended to hit better as a catcher than he did as a designated hitter. With Yulieski Gurriel in the fold, the designated hitter slot may be needed to get all the players in.

Enter Brian McCann

Before the trade deadline, when the Yankees were having a mini fire sale, I wrote about possibly trading for Brian McCann. I remember it not being well received by CTH readers. Whether it was McCann himself or the haul it would have required to trade for him, would he make sense now?

McCann lost some playing time this past season. It was because the Yankees called up this rookie Gary Sanchez who showed potential for one of the best catchers in the game. What type of player would have the Yankees not consider bringing McCann back? Try batting .299/ 20 homers/ 42 runs batted in this 54 games this year. That type of offensive production would unseat most catchers.

There is a slight problem for the Yankees. McCann is under contract through 2018 guaranteed with a vesting option for 2019. Sanchez is the complete package as a catcher, with great offense and defense. McCann will likely not want to become a full-time designated hitter or lose playing time to hurt his vesting option.

The Pros.

If the Astros can’t re-sign Castro or Luis Valbuena, they are missing a left-handed power bat. Colby Rasmus is unlikely to return, and A.J. Reed has not shown much in the big leagues yet. I could mention Jon Singleton, but he is approaching his big payday pretty soon, so the team will most likely cut ties soon. McCann could be that left-handed power bat that the Astros could bat fifth or sixth.

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McCann would be around for another two seasons guaranteed, while Gattis is under team control through 2018 as well. The catching prospect that is closest to being major league ready is Garrett Stubbs. He could ready late 2017, but 2018 is the better target for Stubbs. The team also drafted Jake Rodgers in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Rodgers could be ready in the late 2019 season if not earlier.

By trading for McCann, you would give the young guys a chance to develop in the minors. The Astros may have rushed Max Stassi who has not lived up to his potential thus far. People say the team lacks a real leader in the clubhouse. Mccann has served in that role with the Braves before. Speaking of the Braves, Gattis and McCann were teammates before.

Unless Reed steps up, the Astros have a hole at first base. McCann can split time with either Reed or Tyler White at first base.